Oswego father and daughter both valedictorians of their classes

Jim Commentucci / The Post-StandardPaul Scullin and daughter Elizabeth Scullin, both of Oswego, sit for a photo Wednesday in front of Oswego High School, where Elizabeth will graduate Saturday as the valedictorian of her class. Paul Scullin was valedictorian of his graduating class at Cardinal Cushing Academy in West Newbury, Mass.

Oswego, NY -- Paul Scullin and his daughter, Elizabeth, have shared a lot during the last 18 years. And on Saturday, they will share one more life experience.

Elizabeth will give the valedictory speech at the Oswego High School graduation. Nearly 42 years ago, her father stood on the stage at Cardinal Cushing Academy in West Newbury, Mass., to give the speech as valedictorian of his class.

The two valedictorians talked about their school days and their achievements with The Post-Standard this past week and answered the following questions during separate interviews:

What was your toughest subject in school?

Paul: I was a scholar on campus and got an A+ on everything. But I guess the toughest was probably physics. But I got an A+.

Elizabeth: Probably AP (Advanced Placement) physics. It was difficult for me to understand.

What was the easiest subject in school?

Paul: History. I got an A+.

Elizabeth: History. I enjoyed it a lot.

What was your valedictory speech about?

Paul: I talked about what we had accomplished as we set out on our own and how we should approach it with an open mind and lack of egocentricity.

Elizabeth: My speech talks about memories from kindergarten up through high school. Both good and bad memories.

Did you always plan on trying to be valedictorian?

Paul: Not really. Both of my parents were college graduates. My dad taught me good study habits and made sure I took algebra, geometry and Latin, because it is the root of so many English words. On my sixth birthday, my father got me a desk and lamp. On my seventh, I got a college microscope. My dad expected high things.

Elizabeth: I thought about it in elementary school, but I never knew that I could be valedictorian. But then in high school I knew.

What was your final average?

Paul: A+

Elizabeth: 99

What did your family think about you being valedictorian?

Paul: My family was very proud of me. My dad knew of our intelligence and expected us to use it.

Elizabeth: He did well, so he knows what this is like. My family was happy for me.